How can you save beyond clipping coupons and buying in bulk? We're glad you asked. Learn how to save money on food with these easy tips.

Make a list of the brands of packaged foods your family really tears through. Then ask the store manager if you can buy by the case at a lower price (if he wants your business, he'll likely be happy to oblige). Whole Foods Market offers discounts on cases as part of their store policy — see the manager or the customer service desk; you could save up to 10 percent.

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2. Move It!

The longer you stay in a store, the more you'll spend. It may seem obvious, but write up your list and stick to it — no strolling the aisles, advise shopping experts. Set an alarm on your cell phone for however much time a visit usually takes you, minus 10 minutes, and you'll avoid temptation — and higher bills.

3. Skip the Supermarket

You can score great buys at drugstores, warehouse clubs, and dollar stores. "I've found fabulous deals on milk, granola bars, cereal, juice, and more using sales and rebates at drugstore chains," says Faye Prosser, author of The Smart Spending Guide. "Recently, milk was $1 less per gallon at Walgreens than at my local market when I combined a newspaper's Pet brand coupon with the drugstore's sale."

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4. Buy Organics Selectively

Not all foods expose you to the same amounts of hormones, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. To know when buying organic matters most, go to thedailygreen.com and read about the "Dirty Dozen."

5. Use Your Cell to Save Cash

Use cell coupons: Chances are you're already addicted to your cell phone; why not let it help you save money when you shop? Customers at Kroger, Safeway, and affiliated stores can now download virtual coupons from their cell phones right to their loyalty cards with no fee attached; the discounts are applied when you scan the card during checkout. To sign up for this cost-cutting program, go to either cellfire.com or shortcuts.com.

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Compare prices by phone: Here's another way your Web-enabled cell can help cut costs: Enter the name of a product into the search box in the Shopping section of google.com the next time you're at the supermarket. You'll be able to see how the price your local store charges compares with those on many retail Websites. When you find a lower price online, ask the store manager to match it (if he or she doesn't, at least you'll know where the cheaper buys are).

6. Check Out Amazon.com

While buying via online grocers saves you money on gas, delivery charges can be steep. But amazon.com often has excellent deals on nonperishables: Its Subscribe & Save program offers 15 percent discounts (plus free shipping) on items you automatically receive every one to six months — great for loading up on paper towels and the like.

Let's Talk Turkey

"Buy apple cider for all your guests — for adults you can heat it up, and they can add rum, if they like. You won't have to stock different alcoholic drinks for the adults and millions of juice boxes for the kids," says Stephanie Berenbaum of the blog Fabulous & Frugal (fabandfru.com).

2. Make Your Own Spice Mixes from Ingredients You Already Have on Hand

The prepackaged ones may have a top chef behind the scenes, but you can pay dearly (we saw a gourmet spice rub selling for $4 for two ounces). Instead, check out goodhousekeeping.com/rubs for cheaper DIY versions your clan will love.

4. Buy Lettuce by the Head

Don't buy lettuce from the bag for salads, says blogger Kimberly Bither of kimberlyfitness.com. Swap two bags for lettuce heads to save $3 or $4; odds are you rewash bagged greens anyway, so all that's required is tearing the leaves.

4. Try Target

Our friends behind the red-and-white bull's-eye are offering a Deluxe Turkey dinner (a 12-lb. bird plus five sides, gravy, pie, and coffee — a $90 value) for $60 at all SuperTargets; order in-store or at target.com/grocery.

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Test Your Grocery IQ

See if you can guess which item in each pair cost more per unit based on our seven store checks at press time. You're probably in for a surprise or two. (Note: Prices do not necessarily reflect manufacturers' suggested retail prices.)

1. Velveeta Shells & Cheese

Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese

Answer: Both are made by Kraft, but Velveeta cost more: about $.20/oz. versus $.17/oz.

2. Land O'Lakes Pre-Sliced Yellow American cheese

Land O'Lakes Deli American cheese sliced to order at the deli counter

Answer: The prepackaged slices will cost you more — at least $7.38/lb. versus a low of $5/lb.

3. Arnold Stoneground 100% Whole Wheat Bread

Arnold Brick Oven Premium White Bread

Answer: You don't have to pay up for whole wheat nutrition. The Premium White cost five cents more per slice than the whole wheat — $.22 versus $.17.

4. Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese — Regular

Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese — Chive & Onion

Answer: Surprise — they're the same price for 8-oz. tubs. Unlike in a bagel store, you don't pay extra for special flavors.